MA Art History

Aberystwyth University

Whether your chosen career path involves curating, exhibiting, criticism, collecting, art journalism or any other route, by undertaking this course you will develop essential skills, expertise and experience. By studying the history of art through personal research and excellent tutorage you will engage in vigorous intellectual inquiry in the subject and delve deeply into your chosen specialism.

Overview

Why study MA Art History at Aberystwyth University?

• The School of Art at Aberystwyth provides supervision and specialist knowledge in a broad range of subjects and is rapidly become one of the UK’s most popular places to study and creatively explore Art. Writing in the Guardian, journalist Miles Brignall concluded that the twice-yearly MA Art History Exhibitions at Aberystwyth are among the top four ‘pick of the shows’ UK-wide. Aberystwyth was the only institution he selected outside London.
• There are over 20,000 original artworks in Aberystwyth School of Art’s collection
• Aberystwyth School of Art holds registered museum status from the Museums and Galleries Commission of Great Britain
• Opportunity to submit articles for publication to develop your engagement with critical and public opinion
• Opportunity to curate your own exhibition from the School’s art collections
• Aberystwyth University is a top 50 university for research power and intensity – REF 2014
• 100% of Aberystwyth School of Art’s research was either world leading or internationally excellent in terms of research impact – REF 2014
• 75% of the School of Art’s publications were of an internationally recognised standard or higher – REF 2014
• Opportunity to study within one of the UK’s long-established Schools of Art and to work closely with staff in a stimulating research environment
• Aberystwyth School of Art administers the Catherine Lewis Trust Fund, which continues to acquire important works of art for the University.

Teaching & Learning

How will I learn?

The course can be studied either one year full-time or two years part-time. The taught part of the course is delivered through lectures, seminars, and practical exercises. During semester three (June-September), you will arrange your level of contact time with your assigned dissertation supervisor.

How will I be assessed?

In the first two semesters, students are assessed via a mix of exhibitions, portfolios, essays, presentations, web-design production, and teaching experience projects. Successful completion of the dissertation leads to the award of an MA.

Employability

Careers

The range of posts to which our graduates progress widens all the time. Our alumni have gone on to work:

• For designing companies
• In museums and galleries
• As art teachers
• On education programmes in galleries
• In gallery assistant posts
• producing family-based learning activities in galleries and museums

Our graduates have also taken up exciting internships and traineeships with a variety of national and international organisations, progressed to further academic study (PHDs).